Parenting & Childcare Blog | Children's Land

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Young child resting in bed with a stuffed animal

Pre-school

Flu and Daycare 2026-27: Policy, Vaccines and Return

IDPH and the AAP recommend a flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older this season, though Illinois does not require it for daycare. Here are flu signs in young kids and when they can return.

Black and white close-up of a baby's ear

Early Pre-school

Can a Child Go to Daycare With an Ear Infection?

Ear infections are not contagious, so most children can go to daycare once they have no fever and feel well. Here is when to keep your child home, how to handle antibiotics and how to lower the risk.

Two babies lying side by side on a soft blanket

Infants

Daycare for Twins: Cost, Discounts and Planning Two Spots

Twins need two openings at once, and in Illinois one teacher can care for only four infants. Here is how to plan the search, decide on classrooms, budget for two infants and handle daily logistics.

Two young children playing with letter blocks next to an adult

Toddler

Daycare Cost for Two Kids: Sibling Discounts and Savings

Daycare for two children in Chicago's northwest suburbs can run about $700 to $850 a week at a center. Here is how the costs add up, how sibling discounts work and how the tax credit and FSA help.

Young child holding an adult's hand while walking

Early Pre-school

Who Can Pick Up My Child From Daycare? Illinois Rules

Illinois daycares release children only to adults the parent has authorized in writing, and staff must check photo ID for anyone they do not know. Here is how pickup lists, sign-out and late pickup work.